School Profile: Engineering Schools with Women Deans

Cherry A. Murray

Harvard University:

What does Harvard University specialize in in regards to engineering?

Cherry: We educate general engineers, grounded in liberal arts, with depth in a fundamental engineering field who are able to work in teams across disciplines to solve real-world problems. We call these ‘T shaped’ people. The fields we teach are mechanical, electrical, biomedical and engineering sciences, with a focus on environmental engineering. We also teach computer science and applied math. Engineering design and a substantive research experience in a faculty lab are hallmarks of our program.

We have unique specializations in Cybersecurity and Big Data Analytics in conjunction with IBM within our Computer Science and Information Technology offerings. Our curriculum is certified by the NSA.

Our unique M.S. program in Information, Network, and Computer Security is offered in NY’s two campuses and globally in Vancouver, CA, and soon in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is strengthened by industry links as evidenced by our widely covered Cybersecurity Conferences in NY and globally.

We also have a number of ‘green’ programs, such as an NSF-funded minor in Energy, Science, Technology, and Policy (ESTeP), and Master’s programs in Energy Management and Environmental Technology. Most notable on that front is our Water-Energy Nexus conference held in Beijing, China in April, 2014 and NSF workshop on Clean Water Challenges.

Entrepreneurship education for engineers is supported by an NCIIA grant.

Candis Claiborn

Washington State University

What does Washington State University specialize in in regards to engineering?

Candis: We pride ourselves in offering an undergraduate experience with lots of hands-on opportunities, and for those students who take advantage of those opportunities, our vision is to prepare them to be work-ready, from day one. Undergraduate research opportunities are available so our students are able to work in a face-to-face environment with some of the greatest engineers and computer scientists in the country. Outside of the classroom, our active student clubs provide leadership opportunity as well as creative outlet!

Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D

Virginia Commonwealth University

What does Virginia Commonwealth University specialize in in regards to engineering?

Barbara: VCU provides engineering education in biomedical engineering, chemical and life sciences engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical and nuclear engineering. Because we are a sister school of VCU’s School of Medicine and School of Dentistry, our students have the opportunity to develop engineering skills that have application to the growing health care industry. Our Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering program is one of only two in the nation and is highly regarded for its research activities related to power and energy.